Small surgical supplies distributor with a stockroom

Private hospitals, clinics, surgical centres, dental groups, vets and care providers that want a dependable local supplier.

You buy in volume at lower prices and sell in smaller batches at a margin, with extra income from delivery, supply contracts and regular repeat orders.

• Stock control and logistics
• Sales and account management
• Attention to compliance paperwork
• Managing cash flow

• Check with the MHRA what registration, labelling and traceability rules apply to the devices you distribute
• Some products have storage conditions such as temperature control, so check before you take on a unit
• Stock is a big upfront cost and unsold or expired items are a loss
• Public liability, product liability and goods in storage insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire
• NHS buying often goes through frameworks and tenders, so check how to apply
• Long payment terms from large customers can strain cash flow

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £25,000 to £100,000, depending on the unit, the range and amount of stock you buy, delivery arrangements and insurance. Stock is a big upfront cost, and unsold or expired items are a loss.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on your product range and the number of clinics and hospitals you supply. Long payment terms from large customers can strain cash flow.

Check with the MHRA what registration, labelling and traceability rules apply to the devices you distribute, and whether products need storage such as temperature control. Also check how to apply for NHS frameworks and tenders, and which insurance you need.